Neighbourhood Plan to enter 6 weeks of consultationThe Town Council embarked on developing a Neighbourhood Plan for Thorne and Moorends in July 2012. Over the ensuing 4 years, the steering group has dealt with numerous challenges that have resulted in a much lengthier process than originally anticipated.
However, the Steering Group has now produced a plan that is ready to be put to the community for their comment. The Neighbourhood Plan document will be open subject to consultation for 6 months from 26 October 2016 and we would urge as many people to attend the drop-in sessions and/or provide their thoughts as possible. Key Policy Areas Document launchedOn 7 October 2014 the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group and Thorne-Moorends Town Council launched a document that outlines the Policy areas to be contained in the Neighbourhood Plan. The document is based on the feedback received from the public as part of this summer's consultation. The document is not a draft plan, but rather a summary of what the public identified as 'key policy areas'.
We are taking this document out to public consultation to give the public the opportunity to comment to ensure we're heading in the right direction before we take the next step, which is to build on this document and draft the detailed policies of the Neighbourhood Plan. Watch this space for details of public meetings you can attend to discuss the document in more detail! It's time to speak upThe Neighbourhood Plan steering group are planning an extensive diary of drop in sessions in Thorne and Moorends throughout March 2014. These sessions will be an opportunity for the public to gather more information about the plan and to have their their say on how we move Thorne and Moorends forward. Everyone with an interest in the community is urged to attend at least one of the drop in sessions.
In addition, the Steering Group are hosting a series of targeted meetings for local businesses who shall receive their individual invitations in due course. Confirmed dates: A Quirky Co-OptionPlease join us in welcoming Katie Foreman to the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. Katie is an extremely talented young lady from Moorends. Katie can offer a wealth of experience having opened a successful new business, the Quirky Cow (Finkle Court, Thorne) in this difficult economic climate. Katie also represents business for younger people. We look forward to working with Katie to develop the Neighbourhood Plan.
Feedback from GalaAlongside the Clerk to the Council, Councillors on the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group worked hard all day discussing the plan and the effect it can have on our community with all those in attendance.
It was a lovely sunny day and the feedback was great! For more info click here... How Many DMBC Councillors do we need? Have your sayThe Doncaster Free Press today published an article regarding the costs of our DMBC Councillors. Firstly, it's brilliant to see that a Councillor for Moorends, and Town Councillor, Joe Blackham has been named Doncaster's hardest working Councillor. Secondly,The article ties in nicely with the Town Council's current efforts to re-unite Thorne and Moorends in one electoral ward.
The Boundary Commission are currently considering how many Councillors are needed throughout Doncaster. The Town Council have been asked to make their representations, which we have done, in support of a reduction in DMBC Councillor numbers. Once the number of DMBC Councillors has been determined, the ward boundaries will be reviewed and altered in accordance with the number of constituents per DMBC Councillor and the relationship between communities. The Town Council sees this consultation as the best chance of re-uniting Thorne with Moorends. For More information see here.... Volunteers Clean Up for FestivalTown Councillors and members of Thorne Needs You came together to tidy up the Town before the Thorne Summer Festival in a bid to raise awareness for the Neighbourhood Plan. The day was a great success and the volunteers were able to spend time talking to local residents about the Plan whilst doing their bit to keep Thorne clean.
The word is spreadingThe Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is thrilled to see they have Brooke Primary School on board and spreading the word for a cleaner community whilst promoting the Neighbourhood Plan. All Local schools within the plan's designated area have met and have welcomed the Town Council into the schools in support of the Plan. The Steering Group are excited to be arranging a programme of visits to each school to start this September!
Local Schools on boardOn 1 July 2013, Councillor Rachel Durant attended Thorne Green Top Primary School to work with the communities local young people and develop ideas for the Neighbourhood Plan. The afternoon was a huge success and a group of pupils are working hard on a community project to promote and progress the Plan. The pupils have written to all local Primary Schools promoting the Plan and have included a write up on their website! Watch this space for developments soon! Click below for their write up and Keep Thorne and Moorends clean!
Hard Work Pays Off!After already a year of hard work and communications with DMBC in preparation for the Neighbourhood Plan, the Town Council has received official Approval and Designation of the Neighbourhood Area, which was exactly as applied for. You can see the letter from DMBC dated 18 June 2013 here.
Town Council Annual ReportPlease click on the link below to view the Town Council's Annual Report, which includes a breakdown of spending, councilor attendance and completed/ongoing projects.
New Co-op-teesThorne and Moorends Town Council are delighted to announce 3 co-options to the Neighborhood Plan Steering Group. Joining the Council's efforts to create a Neighbourhood Plan for Thorne and Moorends are Jennifer, Caroline and Neil.
Jennifer and Caroline are pro-active members of local action group, Thorne Needs You and represent the local community on the steering group. Neil Butler, Head Teacher at Thorne Green Top Primary School, sits on the steering group as a representative of education in the community. We look forward to working closely with Neil, Jennifer and Caroline in the progression of our neighbourhood plan and in our wider efforts to consult with the community as a whole. Spring Clean Sesion 1 - Finkle Street 22 March 2013Councillors donned high visibility vests in the market place to trigger interest from the local community. When questioned by local shop owners and residents, the councillors were able to explain their dedication to taking handle of future planning for the area. This includes finally trying to overcome the difficult issues surrounding the dereliction of the market place and Thorne's other heritage. After years of previous councils and authorities failing to tackle this issue and kerb further decline, this Town Council pitch their dedication to doing all within their power to bring the town up to scratch. The best way of influencing planning and development in Thorne and Moorends is by having input into this Neighbourhood Plan. If you are interested in working with the Town Council, or want you say; please contact the Town Council Clerk, Jeremy Sherlock. Nature Reserve Status for Buntings WoodThe Town Council has formally declared Buntings Wood as a Local Nature Reserve which gives the site a national status recognised by Natural England. This area of former farmland was acquired by the Town Council in the early 90’s, and has been planted with hundreds of native trees. The 32 hectare site which is managed by Friends of Buntings Wood, a volunteer group, includes a number of ponds as well as a substantial wooded area.
Craig Nicolls from the Friends of Buntings Wood said “This is the right time to make this formal designation. Following the hard work of the volunteers and Town Council the site has now matured into an attractive mixed woodland which attracts a variety of species including weasels, stoats, water voles, amphibians, deer, butterflys, moths and a wide variety of birds.” Town Mayor Cllr Rachel Durant added “Buntings Wood is in some ways an unsung jewel in Thorne. The vision and hard work that has been needed to create it, particularly by the volunteers, must be applauded, and it is now a superb community asset on the edge of the town. I hope that this new designation will help to raise its profile in the area, as I truly believe that it is something that all local residents should be proud of.” Visit : http://www.buntings-wood.org.uk/ Plans drawn up for Walled Garden in Memorial ParkThorne Moorends Town Council developing a scheme to convert the former walled garden next to the Park into a “Peace Garden” using S106 (planning gain) funding from Doncaster MBC. The Town Council and Doncaster MBC have now met on a number of occasions and have agreed the principles of a scheme, but formal funding approval is awaited.
The scheme involves the removal of some of the features installed in the 1980’s, and new tree and bulb planting, together with modifications to some of the walling to make the site more visible from the Park. It will also include planting the screen the fencing and walling at the rear. Assuming funding approval, a start on site is anticipated later this year. Initial artists interpretations can be seen below which have been drawn up on instruction of the Town Council to share with the local community. |
Flood Risk slows developmentAt a meeting in February 2015 it was agreed that further research would be undertaken before a final decision was taken regarding the allocation of sites subject to flood risk.
It had been agreed that DCLG and the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) would be approached to see if they had any advice, which was done but was not productive. Locality has also been consulted, however our situation is rare and its is difficult for anybody to provide advice. Whilst many Neighbourhood Plans have flooding issues, few will have the same extent of Zone 3 areas as Thorne and Moorends. Flood Risk consultants have been contacted regarding the flood risk work required by the environment agency. The work requires consultants who deal with strategic work rather than site specific flood risk assessments. Whilst costs are still indicative it was agreed that a budget of £30,000 would be needed to complete these works. A number of options were considered: `
It was agreed that the cost, together with the time delay could not be justified, especially when the work will be required in the near future for the Doncaster Local Plan. It was therefore agreed to start work on the Draft Plan on the basis of option 2 above, and to work closely with Doncaster MBC to ensure that the allocations in the Local Plan are influenced by the Neighbourhood Plan process. The Results Are InFurther to our recent period of consultation, we are pleased to announce that we received hundreds of completed questionnaires, all of which have now been read and considered by the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. The replies have been categorised, with assistance from Planning Aid, into Planning and Non-Planning issues and a draft outline plan is now being drawn up. Consideration has been given as to whether issues raised require planning policies or land allocation and this will be reflected in the draft outline plan.
The group hope to commence a further period of consultation before preparing policies and a first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan in late September 2014, so watch this space for details of how you can be involved. We anticipate there being a series of public meetings / workshops in addition to an official launch event. May we take this opportunity to say a big thank you to the community for their invaluable participation to date.We hope the support continues as the plan moves towards completion. A word from Directions PlanningThorne and Moorends Town Council has appointed Directions Planning Consultancy Ltd to steer the Town Council through the neighbourhood planning process. This means making sure the Town Council meets all the legal requirements of the process, as well as passing on knowledge and experience of how to go about drafting a neighbourhood plan.
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It's brilliant to see feedback coming through via this site regarding matters that are important to local residants. Take this example survey completed by local resident of Thorne, Glenys Hennessey (click to enlarge). Be sure to have your say by one of our surveys here or by making a general comment on our Speakers Corner here.
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Coming Soon
Look out for a Comic Strip telling the story of how the Thorne and Moorends Neighbourhood Plan was conceived. Here's a sneak preview:
Thank You
We would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge THANK YOU to all council staff who have assisted in the smooth running of this weekend's festivities. Their hard work was appreciated by many, especially this morning after it was discovered that extreme weather had caused chaos in the park. Without their help and assistance, many stall holders would not have been back on their feet and able to carry on today.
Also, a big thank you to Sylvia, Pete and the Festival Committee for another brilliant weekend. Thank you to TMCR for the brilliant efforts as always and thank you to the Sea Cadets who helped Council staff resurrect many a tent.
The weekend would not be such a huge success without the presence of local community groups, charities entertainers and performers and we thank them all for their continued contribution to the weekends annual festivities. The Thorne Summer Festival really is an asset to this community and we are proud to be involved.
Also, a big thank you to Sylvia, Pete and the Festival Committee for another brilliant weekend. Thank you to TMCR for the brilliant efforts as always and thank you to the Sea Cadets who helped Council staff resurrect many a tent.
The weekend would not be such a huge success without the presence of local community groups, charities entertainers and performers and we thank them all for their continued contribution to the weekends annual festivities. The Thorne Summer Festival really is an asset to this community and we are proud to be involved.
Summer Festival Two Day Consultation Event goes down a treat!
Steering Group members spent two days at the Thorne Summer Festival promoting awareness of the Neighbourhood Plan. The group collated a wealth of feedback from the community, which is a great start and look forward to it all again at the Community Gala in Moorends on 25 August. See more....
Steering Group welcomes new member
Thorne and Moorends Town Council are delighted to announce the co-option of Jean Walker to the Neighborhood Plan Steering Group. Jean has been dedicated member of the Moorends Welfare Ground Working Group since it's set up some 20 months ago. Jean's wealth of community involvement through the Thorne Colliery Bowls Club makes her an ideal spokesperson for the Welfare Ground - a Town Council priority in Moorends - and we all look forward to working with her closely in progression of our neighbourhood plan and in our wider efforts to consult with the community as a whole.
Council to make submissions to the Boundary Commission
At their meeting on 9 July 2013, Thorne and Moorends Town Council committed themselves to making strong representations to the Local Government Boundary Commission in an attempt to bring Thorne and Moorends back together under one electoral ward area. Councillors Houlbrook, (J) Blackham and (S) Durant attended a consultation meeting on 8 July 2013 and brought a report back to the Council. It is agreed that the Town Council will propose a reduction in the total number of DMBC Councillors across the borough and propose electoral boundary changes to re-unite Thorne with Moorends. Read more here...
Moorends; Have your say
You can now have your say regarding issues specific to Moorends on this dedicated page. The page will be updated with news specific to Moorends.
A word from
Thorne Needs You
Jen Barley is chair of Thorne Needs You community group, of which 2 members now sit on the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. The group was set up after an article on the front page of the (sadly missed) Thorne Gazette about the building 42 King street being restored by Andrew Whitham from the South Yorkshire Building Preservation Trust. Read More...
New Faces coming soon
Thorne and Moorends Town Council are excited to announce that there will soon be two young new faces in the offices. The Council is in the process of hiring two apprentices, one for grounds maintenance and another for office and project work. The Council are pleased to be bringing employment opportunities to the town and also the be playing a part in training two talented young people.
They're Ours Now!
The Town Council are currently in the process of taking control of the Town Centre's toilet facilities (on the green) by transferring assett rights from DMBC to the Town Council. The toilets have long been in an unacceptable state and the Town Council are hoping to put this right.
The Town Council are also assuming asset rights for the Park Toilets in ongoing improvements works alongside the plans for the walled garden in the memorial park.
The Town Council are also assuming asset rights for the Park Toilets in ongoing improvements works alongside the plans for the walled garden in the memorial park.
Autism Plus Improvement Scheme
Autism Plus, occupiers of Thorne House, wrote to the Town council requesting the council's endorsement and support for the proposed improvements and development on their site.
The scheme plans to provide more independent living for their clients and shall involve converting the main building into individual flats whilst constructing individual units within the grounds. The estimated costs of the scheme totals £5million.
The proposal would be a significant investment in Thorne and in time will likely generate further jobs for local people. The Council agreed to endorse and write a formal letter of support to Autism Plus at their meeting on 11 June 2013. The below plan was kindly provided to the Council for their consideration.
The scheme plans to provide more independent living for their clients and shall involve converting the main building into individual flats whilst constructing individual units within the grounds. The estimated costs of the scheme totals £5million.
The proposal would be a significant investment in Thorne and in time will likely generate further jobs for local people. The Council agreed to endorse and write a formal letter of support to Autism Plus at their meeting on 11 June 2013. The below plan was kindly provided to the Council for their consideration.
Planning Support
Thorne-Moorends Town Council has been successful with a grant application to support the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan for the Town Council area. A grant of £7,000 has been awarded by “Locality” which will help the Neighbourhood Planning Working Group with technical, printing and planning support. In addition the Council will also receive “in kind” support from Planning Aid.
The Plan will be moving onto its formal consultation stage in the near future, with a series of events being held from March. The dates for these will be publicised shortly.
The Plan will be moving onto its formal consultation stage in the near future, with a series of events being held from March. The dates for these will be publicised shortly.
Town Centre News
Isn't it brilliant to see new business coming into Thorne. We have Thorntons, Hamiltons and Hallmark at the old Post Office building and Finkle Court is now full of brilliant shops! We have a new craft market one Saturday every month, not to mention the regular Friday market. Tesco and possibly Martson's and Mcdonalds are due to land at the Capitol Park site in 2014 - Let's hope the interest continues!
Kids Corner
The 'Kids Corner' is a convenient place for young people to find out information on the Neighbourhood Plan and also to have their say on the future of Thorne and Moorends. Steering Group members are visiting all local schools as part of the consultation process and the space will be updated regularly. Take a peek!
Regular Crafts Market
Thorne has been known as a 'Historic Market Town' for many years and we are delighted to announce that after being approached by a local resident, a new Craft Market will be held in Thorne Market Place on the last Saturday of each month, commencing on 24th August.
The market is being spearheaded by the local resident and we understand that a total of 23 interested stall holders have been identified to date for the first market, which shall run from 9am to 3 pm.
On the basis of the current interest, there will be no additional cost to the Council. The Craft Market will initially run up to December on a trial basis and hopefully it will be a huge success! This will be a new attraction in Thorne, which hopefully will attract new shoppers to the Town Centre.
We wish the stall holders every success!!
The market is being spearheaded by the local resident and we understand that a total of 23 interested stall holders have been identified to date for the first market, which shall run from 9am to 3 pm.
On the basis of the current interest, there will be no additional cost to the Council. The Craft Market will initially run up to December on a trial basis and hopefully it will be a huge success! This will be a new attraction in Thorne, which hopefully will attract new shoppers to the Town Centre.
We wish the stall holders every success!!
Download our festival Edition Newsletter here
Feel-Good Story of the Day
After a night of extreme weather conditions in the area, Town Councillors arrived at the park on Sunday morning to a saddening sight. Strong winds lifted and damaged multiple tents, owned by local community and charity groups, which had been left overnight in the park.
It was BRILLIANT to see the community of Thorne and Moorends pull together, assisting each other to rebuild their stalls and prepare for another day raising money for their causes.
Perhaps the most notable gesture was by a lady member of the public who, saddened by the loss of the stall owned by hard working local community group ' Thorne Needs You', donated a replacement tent for the group future use.
Despite hardship being suffered by many people locally, it is brilliant to know that when in times of trouble we still have great community spirit and that we will pull together for each other.
It was BRILLIANT to see the community of Thorne and Moorends pull together, assisting each other to rebuild their stalls and prepare for another day raising money for their causes.
Perhaps the most notable gesture was by a lady member of the public who, saddened by the loss of the stall owned by hard working local community group ' Thorne Needs You', donated a replacement tent for the group future use.
Despite hardship being suffered by many people locally, it is brilliant to know that when in times of trouble we still have great community spirit and that we will pull together for each other.
Tesco - An Update
Over the last two days it has been brought to our attention by members of the local community that there is some confusion as to whether the Tesco development will go ahead in Thorne.
After clarifying the position with Tesco we can confirm that currently the development is still proceeding with work commencing in 2014. We can also expect a McDonalds and Marstons Inn/Tavern on the same site.
After clarifying the position with Tesco we can confirm that currently the development is still proceeding with work commencing in 2014. We can also expect a McDonalds and Marstons Inn/Tavern on the same site.
Thorne Summer Festival
27 - 28 July 2013
Keep up to date with ALL Town Council Events
Be sure to follow the progress of ALL the Town Council's events on our dedicated micro-site including the Town Council's Centenary Events, which are supported by the Royal British Legion, and already being planned for early August 2014.
Our Objectives
On 19 June 2013 the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group agreed a set of all encompassing objectives for the Neighbourhood plan. The current objectives are merely a starting point and are set to change and develop as we receive feedback from the local community.
The objectives have been reviewed by the Groups technical adviser, Kathryn Jukes of Directions Planning, who commented that the objectives were 'more than appropriate for the plan for Thorne and Moorends' and that she was 'very impressed at just how organised the Steering Group is'. You will be able to see the objectives on this website in due course.
The objectives have been reviewed by the Groups technical adviser, Kathryn Jukes of Directions Planning, who commented that the objectives were 'more than appropriate for the plan for Thorne and Moorends' and that she was 'very impressed at just how organised the Steering Group is'. You will be able to see the objectives on this website in due course.
New! Technical Advisor
The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group considered 4 consultants to assist in the production of the plan and our pleased to announce that one of those consultants, Katheyn Dukes of Directions Planning, has been appointed.
Kathryn has vast experience working with Town Councils on plans similar to our own and is well positioned to help the Council with the vital consultation element.
Kathryn has vast experience working with Town Councils on plans similar to our own and is well positioned to help the Council with the vital consultation element.
The Council will be working closely with Kathryn Jukes, when necessary, to further the plan via the following steps:
a. Completion of the project plan
b. Consideration of baseline data
c. Carrying out a structured consultation process
d. Engagement of Key stake-holders and statutory consultees
e. Development of a site-appraisal process
a. Completion of the project plan
b. Consideration of baseline data
c. Carrying out a structured consultation process
d. Engagement of Key stake-holders and statutory consultees
e. Development of a site-appraisal process
Thorne Market Place
Efforts are being made to promote development schemes for the buildings to the rear of the Market Place, and adjacent land with a view to removing a significant blight on the town, as well as providing new investment.
Constructive discussions have been held with the majority landowner, and an in principle scheme has been agreed including the refurbishment of the remaining buildings for commercial and residential uses, and a new residential development at the rear, including land owned by the Town Council and Doncaster MBC. Some grant funding will be needed to make the scheme viable. Initial discussions with funders have been positive.
To support the scheme the Town Council have agreed in principle to donate their land holding, and have also expressed an interest in occupying one of the ground floor units as the main Council base.
Constructive discussions have been held with the majority landowner, and an in principle scheme has been agreed including the refurbishment of the remaining buildings for commercial and residential uses, and a new residential development at the rear, including land owned by the Town Council and Doncaster MBC. Some grant funding will be needed to make the scheme viable. Initial discussions with funders have been positive.
To support the scheme the Town Council have agreed in principle to donate their land holding, and have also expressed an interest in occupying one of the ground floor units as the main Council base.
Capitol Park Development - Outline Planning Details
Working for the Royal Bank of Scotland and their development partner, Henry Boot Developments, Planning Prospects secured planning permission for a large, mixed use, regeneration scheme comprising new food superstore (to be occupied by Tesco), hotel and leisure uses, as well as significant new employment development on a high profile gateway site on the approach to the town.
The scheme will bring a significant number of new jobs to the town after closure of a number of major employers in recent years. Planning Prospects worked closely with Officers in the negotiation of the planning permission as well as actively engaging with the Town Council and local community in the evolution of the development. The planning application was submitted with a range of supporting information and permission granted for a phased development, the first elements of which are now progressing on site. See DMBC Planning Page here.
The scheme will bring a significant number of new jobs to the town after closure of a number of major employers in recent years. Planning Prospects worked closely with Officers in the negotiation of the planning permission as well as actively engaging with the Town Council and local community in the evolution of the development. The planning application was submitted with a range of supporting information and permission granted for a phased development, the first elements of which are now progressing on site. See DMBC Planning Page here.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions or wish to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan, you can contact us using the details below
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ourplan@outlook.com
clerk@thorne-moorends.gov.uk |
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(01405) 818015
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address |
Assembly Rooms
Field Side, Thorne DN8 4AE |